Emerging Infectious Diseases and Pandemics
Our research is on the frontlines of controlling and eradicating emerging infectious diseases.
Vaccines
We research and develop vaccines for human and animal diseases.
Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Our research focuses on disease and health factors.
Veterinary Medicine
We are an academic home for pre-vet students and offer services for veterinarians.
Pre-professional Health Sciences
Pre-MED, Pre-PA, Pre-Dental, Pre-Vet.
Message from the Department Head of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science
The Department of Pathobiology (disease biology) is the leading infectious disease and diagnostic unit on the Storrs campus. Our research focuses on microbiology (including bacteriology and virology), pathology, and immunology. We are home to the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) and the Center of Excellence for Vaccine Research (CEVR).
The Pathobiology (PATH) undergraduate major offers three concentrations areas: (1) a Pre-Health concentration for professional careers (Veterinary, Medical, Dental, and Physician Assistant schools), (2) a Global Health concentration for students with an interest in Public Health and One Health careers, and (3) a Medical Biotechnology concentration for students interested in careers with the biomedical/biotech industry, as well as research hospitals and medical centers.
The major is based on life-transformative and experiential learning educational experiences comprising the START Program for freshman students to engage them in the major, explore future careers, and develop essential professional skills from the start (their very first semester), and the PATHWAYS Program offered every semester for all sophomore, junior, and senior students that focuses on experiential learning activities targeting job training and resume building.
I encourage you to explore our department, including our undergraduate, graduate, research, and service programs. Welcome to Pathobiology!
Paulo H. Verardi, Department Head and Associate Professor
Center of Excellence for Vaccine Research
The Center of Excellence for Vaccine Research uses research expertise and a collaborative approach to address animal diseases. Learn more.
Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
We provide top quality diagnostic services to our clients, who are comprised of veterinarians, members of the agricultural industry, owners of companion, zoo, and aquatic animals, stewards of Connecticut wildlife, and residents of Connecticut, New England, and beyond. We strive to work cooperatively with federal and state veterinary agencies to enhance disease surveillance and responses. Learn more.
US Animal Vaccinology Research Coordination Network
The US Animal Vaccinology Research Coordination Network (USAVRCN) is an initiative of USDA NIFA to bring together the breadth of stakeholders with interest in advancing vaccine research and improving vaccine-based disease control in agricultural and aquacultural species. Learn more.
Our Department
Why Pathobiology
PATHOBIOLOGY majors have several focus areas available:
- Pre-Professional Health Sciences:
- Pre-MED
- Pre-DENTAL
- Pre-PA
- Pre-VET
- Global Health
- Medical Biotechnology
We invite interested students to tour the department (video at right), meet other Pathobiology majors (video at right), and learn more about applying.
Our COVID-19 Vaccine Research
Student Testimonial: Grace Ozyck – Pre-Graduate School (Ph.D.)
Upcoming Seminars
Critical Issues We Address
Pathobiology addresses diverse critical issues that affect human, animal, and environmental health. These include disease surveillance, the effects of climate change on human and animal health, bats, zoonosis, mosquitos, vector-borne diseases, and ticks. As part of our research we monitor and adapt to emerging areas of research. Our service and outreach programs support veterinarians, municipalities, communities, and individuals.
Pathobiology includes teaching, research, and extension programs concerned with pathology and infectious diseases of humans, agricultural animals, companion animals, laboratory animals, and wildlife.
Our Initiatives
Curriculum is designed for students preparing to enter medical, dental, veterinary, or graduate schools.
Our research profile focuses on infectious diseases of animals and humans, vaccines, veterinary pathology, and wildlife diseases.
Our services initiatives offer support nationwide in clinical pathology and laboratory diagnostics.